Every two years, the International Va’a Federation World Sprints are awarded to a host country. In 2022 the venue was London with seven Gibsons Paddle club members attending. This year, world sprints are on the big island of Hawaii in the city of Hilo with competition starting Aug. 16.
This year, three club women will compete with their Canadian teammates representing three different age categories. The women will compete in the 500m straight race as well as the 1000m race with three buoy turns making a very dynamic race. Competitors will be women in their age category representing 27 countries including Tahiti, New Zealand, Brazil.
Colleen Gould and Amanda Boettcher are competing in their first world event in the 60+, 50+ and 40+ categories. The competition will be in six-person outrigger canoes and competitors can race down from their age categories giving them more racing opportunities.
Catharine Esson competes in her second world sprint event in the 60+ and 50+ category. In 2022, her team secured a bronze medal for Canada. This year she also secured a spot in the single canoe (va’a) 50+ category. Competition will be stiff but Catharine is ready to compete with world class athletes.
We wish them good luck at the event. A live link will be available on Aug. 16 for viewing at www.ivfiv.org/2024-world-sprints---hilo.html
